As some of you may know, my mom and stepfather are from Clay County, Alabama. My childhood was spent going to visit my grandparents, in Clay County, almost every Sunday. This morning I woke up with the longing to drive to that quaint little piece of Heaven here on Earth. Since that drive is a little long for me, I decided to do a little research and find out more about Clay County, Alabama. Clay County was named after a man from Kentucky, Henry Clay. His estate in Kentucky was named Ashland. Henry was a famous statesman. The county was founded on December 7, 1866. Clay County is one of only three counties in Alabama to have no U.S. highways in its boundaries. This little farmville is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. As you drive through you can see beautiful countryside, farms, old barns that are to die for, and cows galore. (My mom can teach you a game to play where you count cows and chimneys. However, don’t ride in the car with her and play or she will cheat! It wasn’t until about five years ago that I realized how she won every time!!!) There is a little church about a mile from Blair Road called Big Springs Baptist Church. The preacher there is Bro. Wayne Johnson. If you have never had the pleasure of meeting him or hearing him preach you are missing a true blessing. The cemetery adjacent from that little church is home to the headstones of two of the most amazing people I have ever known, G.G Blair and Ivera “Idy” W. Blair. I love them both with all my heart! Idy is the second best woman I have ever known! I have never known a woman that loved her God, husband, and family as much as she did! She was a true lady and displayed grace and honor at all times! Knowing her was one of my life’s greatest treasures. However, G.G. is the reason for this blog today. When I got up this morning I had song in my heart! I turned on my iPod and starting singing… (sorry, Hubby). I started thinking about the many rides to church with G.G. and wondered how many songs I must have made up as a kid. Too bad I can’t carry a tune! Mother like daughter! As I was looking up music I ran across this song. It describes G.G. so well. I could type for hours describing him to you but I decided that I would share this song with you. You may find that you too have a “small town southern man” in your life! If you don’t you are missing one of the greatest gifts of life! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szsqP9RmiVs Well, I know that church is letting out at Big Springs right now! And although, my grandfather’s hat isn’t on the back pew for him to pick up, I know that he is there in spirit with the congregation. I hope that he and Idy are leaving church in Heaven and headed to work on their farm! He may be a “small town southern man” but to me he is the father to the most amazing woman I know, husband to the woman I hope to be like, and my Hero!
